transform! launches 2 Calls for Papers

1. “Mass Media Institutional Framework”

Media is a principal legitimation structure of the state that operates on a composite level: on the one hand, the media are driven by profit seeking, and on the other hand, they function as a tool for the reproduction of class hegemony. Taking this into account, they could suffocate democracy by controlling the channels of information. In spite of the positive effects drawn through the development of new technologies (social media, etc.) a crucial part of information dissemination remains in the hands of the traditional media. Our goal is to find ways to ensure transparency, pluralism and the expression of various social interests.
Within this context, we are putting out a call for proposals which scrutinize the institutional framework that determines the function of the Public Mass Media in European countries. This proposal should not only take into account the accessibility of each media outlet contained within it, but also the just and equitable treatment of all citizens and social organizations by the media, as well as the development of collaborative journalism in order to revitalize the field and create the opportunity for genuine, pluralist, reliable information against economic interdependencies and private interests.
Building upon these themes, the research essay is to be structured around three principal issues:

1. The description of the Public Mass Media institutional framework based on the European and international experience.
2. Suggestions on an innovative policy regarding Public Mass Media: methodology on a left strategy reform project.
3. The role of Alternative Mass Media in a process of democratizing information.

Based on the aforementioned issues, this research should aim to answer the following questions: 

• Which initiatives should be called upon in a process that aims to progressively reform the functioning of Public Mass Media?
• In what ways do the alternative media differ from the traditional media as far as content, aesthetic, modes of production, modes of distribution and audience relations are concerned?
• How can these newly introduced patterns in information distribution provide a critical perspective and promote counter-hegemonic discourse concerning issues of gender, race and sexual orientation?

 
The length of this research paper shall be around 20,000 words. The submission date is 1 December 2015 and the paper will most probably be completed during a workshop organized by transform! before the end of the year.
The author will work in close collaboration with the Nicos Poulantzas Institute and the successful candidate will receive a grant of EUR 3,000.
Applicants will be chosen by the transform! Managing Board on the basis of their CVs, plus samples of their work in the specific or relevant fields, if available. References are welcome.
Applications should be sent via e-mail to info@poulantzas.gr no later than 15 June 2015. 

2. “Functioning and Administration of Public Organizations”

Public organizations operated with advanced levels of workers, social participation and control may function as a tool towards sustainable development. The most feasible paradigms of these shifts are closely attached to public goods such as energy, transport, water and waterworks, and welfare services.
Considering the importance of public administration in a democratically functioning state and in the fostering of progress and social cohesion, the reinventing and reforming of it seems a positive and necessary way forward.
Building upon these themes, the research paper is to be structured around three principal issues:

1. The instrumental role of administrative reforms in a process of state transformation: methodology and institutional initiatives
2. Employment in public organizations: working conditions, professional standing, working “ethos”, political culture
3. The constitution of institutions of social participation and social control.

Based on these issues, this research should address the following questions:

• Taking the European and international experience into consideration, what are the common structural problems in the functioning of public administration?
• How can the complex interrelations between the various social actors (social organizations, social groups of users, representatives of local governance, workers) in the field contribute to a process of transformation?
• What role do self-organized workers’ groups play in serving the purpose of deconstructing the traditional bonds of power from a perspective of socialization and self-organization of production?
• How can new technologies serve the rebuilding of public administration?

The length of this research paper shall be around 20,000 words. The submission date is 1 December 2015 and the paper will most probably be completed during a workshop organized by transform! before the end of the year.
The author will work in close collaboration with the Nicos Poulantzas Institute and the successful candidate will receive a grant of EUR 3,000.
Applicants will be chosen by the transform! Managing Board on the basis of their CVs, plus samples of their work in the specific or relevant fields, if available. References are welcome.
Applications should be sent via e-mail to info@poulantzas.gr no later than 15 June 2015.